How to protect your home while south for winter vacation

Keep your home safe and secure. Home winterization tips for Snowbirds to help prevent damage and theft.

Ways for Snowbirds to Secure Their Nests While Away

If your family heads south for the winter in pursuit of sunnier skies, similar to protecting your home while you're vacationing, take measures to protect your home so you can enjoy the season away without worrying about what you left behind. An empty house is an easy target for burglars, so don't advertise your absence.

Tips to protect your house while you are on vacation

Have your mail held and stop newspaper deliveries.
The post office can hold your mail until you return or you can forward it to your winter location.

Hide the "hide-a-way" key and disable remote key entries.
You won't be needing them while you are away.

Enlist the neighbors.
Ask a trusted neighbor to monitor your property while you're away and to inform you about suspicious activity, collect any flyers that are left on your door, and possibly park their car in your driveway periodically.

Snow removal.
Hire a snow removal service to take care of your sidewalk and driveway.

DIY home security or alarm services.
Some apps connect to your home security system and alert you of changes. Others connect your mobile phone with a security camera or webcam to provide remote surveillance.

Consider shutting off water to appliances.
Turn off the water to washing machines and dishwashers to avoid them leaking. Also ensure your garden hose is detached.

Problems that start small in an unattended home can get serious if they're not addressed. You can ward them off with a little preparation.

Clean gutters and trim trees.
Cut down any dead limbs or trees near your house that could fall under heavy snow or ice. Clean all gutters to help drain away ice melt, possibly preventing water from building up and causing
ice dams on your roof
.

Prevent Pests.
Throw out any food not in an airtight metal or glass container. Then empty, clean and defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Also inspect your home's foundation, inside and out, and seal any openings.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.